General Manager - Iconic Live Music Venue & Restaurant

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the opening of a high-volume, full-service restaurant, bar, and live entertainment venue in New York City. This is a unique opportunity to build a team from the ground up, establish operational excellence, and create an exceptional guest experience from day one.

The ideal candidate has proven new restaurant opening experience , strong leadership skills, and a passion for hospitality, food and beverage, and service excellence. Experience with live entertainment or music venues is a plus, but not required. Local New York candidates only.

Compensation

$85,000–$95,000 base salary + monthly bonus

Market Comparison:

General Managers leading high-volume full-service restaurant openings in New York City typically earn $90,000–$120,000+ , depending on venue size and complexity. Our compensation is competitive and includes monthly bonus potential with significant growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of a new restaurant opening, including hiring, training, vendor setup, permits, and operational readiness.
• Build and develop a high-performing FOH and BOH leadership team.
• Deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining elevated hospitality standards.
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, scheduling, labor, inventory, and financial performance.
• Collaborate on beverage presentation, bar program execution, service standards, and guest experience.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and company operating standards.
• Drive sales, profitability, and team engagement in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of General Manager or senior restaurant leadership experience in high-volume full-service restaurants, upscale casual dining, hospitality, or bar-driven concepts.
• Previous restaurant opening experience is strongly preferred , including hiring, vendor coordination, permitting, and operational setup.
• Experience serving on an opening team as an Assistant General Manager is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and coaching abilities.
• Experience managing P&L, labor, food costs, and operational performance.
• Passion for hospitality, service standards, and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Creative interest in beverage presentation, bar operations, and overall guest atmosphere.
• Must be local to the New York City area (no relocation).

Preferred Background

• High-Volume Full-Service Restaurants
• Upscale Casual Dining
• Restaurant & Bar Concepts
• New Restaurant Openings
• Hospitality & Entertainment Venues
• Live Music or Event Venues (Preferred, not required)

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Monthly performance bonus
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Career growth opportunities
• Opportunity to lead a high-profile new venue opening
• Dynamic, hospitality-driven culture

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.

Company Description

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.